Petr Chlanda
Papers
2
Total Citations
142
H-Index
2
About
Petr Chlanda is a structural virologist whose research bridges cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and pandemic preparedness. His major contributions center on understanding the molecular architecture of enveloped viruses, particularly influenza and coronaviruses, and on developing rapid, scalable diagnostic tools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chlanda co-developed a magnetic bead-based RNA extraction method for SARS-CoV-2 testing, enabling high-throughput RT-qPCR and RT-LAMP diagnostics without commercial kits. This work, published in 2020, has garnered over 140 citations and was critical for large-scale testing in resource-limited settings. His core research employs cryo-EM and tomography to visualize viral fusion proteins and membrane remodeling at near-atomic resolution, revealing mechanisms of host cell entry and immune evasion. Chlanda’s work on the influenza virus hemagglutinin and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has provided structural blueprints for vaccine and antiviral design. As a group leader at Heidelberg University and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), he is recognized for integrating structural biology with applied virology, directly impacting both fundamental science and public health responses.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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